Creamy Boursin baked ziti with spinach is made with tender pasta tossed in a Basil and Chive Boursin cream sauce with sautéed spinach, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
If you love baked ziti like me but want something that’s just a little bit different, this creamy Boursin baked ziti with spinach is it! It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor thanks to Boursin cheese. It melts into the most delicious and silky white sauce. The pasta bakes up bubbly and golden while staying perfectly creamy inside.
The fresh spinach balances out the richness of the sauce perfectly and the cheese really gives this dish that classic pasta bake finish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining or holidays. This is one of those recipes that everyone will be asking for after the very first bite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious ziti recipe. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Ziti – The perfect pasta to hold the thick, creamy sauce inside and stays sturdy after baking.
- Olive oil – Helps gently sauté the garlic and spinach.
- Garlic – Builds flavor early and complements the Boursin cheese.
- Heavy cream – Creates a rich creamy base.
- Milk – Lightens the cream slightly so the dish isn’t too heavy.
- Basil & Chive Boursin cheese – The star of the show! Adds garlic, herbs, and instant creaminess.
- Mozzarella – Gives that classic stretchy, melty baked pasta texture.
- Parmesan – Adds saltiness.
- Baby Spinach – Adds a nice pop of color and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Parsley- An optional garnish that adds color to the finished dish.
How To Make It
Here’s how to make this delicious pasta dish. You find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350°
First, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds then add the spinach. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until the spinach has wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and add Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce and smooth.
PRO TIP: Place the heavy cream and milk in the microwave for about 15 seconds and warm it just a little before adding it to the skillet. Taking the chill off will allow it to easily incorporate.
Then, stir in the cooked ziti and toss it into the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Transfer the pasta to a greased 9 x 13” baking dish and top it with the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
PRO TIP: Cook the pasta just to al dente. It will continue to cook white it’s in the oven.
Place it, uncovered, into the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes or just until the cheese has melted. Finally, let the ziti rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Let the ziti rest to allow the sauce to thicken and really cling to the pasta.
Can I Add A Protein?
Yes, you absolutely can. Cooked rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, pancetta, or even crispy bacon all work well.
Can I Add A Different Boursin Flavor?
Yes you can use different Boursin flavors if you’d like Garlic & Fine Herbs, Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper.
What Should I Serve This With?
Baked ziti is one of those great recipes that you can serve for a holiday along side a Ham or Turkey or whip up for a casual dinner at home. This would be fantastic with some Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf and Frozen Roasted Green Beans.
Storage
Let the pasta cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Boursin Baked Ziti With Spinach Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ziti, cooked
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 Oz Baby Spinach
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 (5.3) Oz Boxes Boursin Cheese-Basil & Chive or Garlic & Herb
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1.5 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds then add the spinach. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until the spinach has wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and add Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted into the sauce and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked ziti and toss it into the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Transfer the pasta to a greased 9 x 13” baking dish and top it with the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Place it, uncovered, into the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Finally, let the ziti rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Baked Pasta Dishes
If you like super easy to make baked pasta dishes like this one, you have to try this Baked Italian Sunset Pasta, Pasta Al Forno and Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni.
Al Dente Diva says
Hi Kat! This makes me so happy thank you so so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed it
Kat says
I made this dish last week for my family and everyone said it was amazing! I cooked up some cut up chicken breasts, onions and fresh diced garlic together and mixed it in as well for an added protein. It was so mouth wateringly delicious that my family and I are putting this dish on our dinner rotations permanently. Thanks for another amazing recipe, you rock ??
Al Dente Diva says
You’re welcome! I hope you love it
Maireen says
Ty. Very fast communication. Now going to store just to get that cheese!!:):) Cannot wait to eat tonight!! TY sooooo much!!
Al Dente Diva says
Hi Maureen. All measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom you’ll see it there.
Maureen says
Want to make but where is the BOURSIN CHEESE AMOUNT??
Al Dente Diva says
Oh no! Thank you. It’s two packs!!!
Suzanne says
This looks and sounds awesome. My husband would go gaga over it.
BUT you forgot to list Boursin cheese among the ingredients. How much do you use? Is it one package or more?
Thanks for the recipe. I really do want to make it. I bet shrimp or salmon would be good mixed in.
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you!
Karen Miller says
Looks delicious